According to a new report released today from security specialists F-Secure, Google’s Android accounted for 79% of all malware in 2012 and an astounding 96% in forth quarter 2012.

Apple’s iOS, which powers the industry-defining iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and iPad mini, accounted for a mere 0.7% of malware in 2012.

This, despite the fact that numerous studies (please see related articles below) have shown that iOS users are richer and more likely to make purchases online and off. In other words, the dream target for malware authors and distributors.

According to Canalys, Apple’s iPhone held 22% unit share worldwide in Q412, or more than 1-in-5 of the world’s smartphones – and, yet, just 0.7% malware. According to Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, Apple’s iPhone held 51.2% of U.S. market share while Android placed second with 44.2% for the 12 week period ending December 23rd, 2012. 0.7% malware for the former. 96% malware for the latter.

Actually, the full report DOES say that one thing driving malware development is the number of devices using the operating system. It says that Android’s growing market share is responsible for the growing number of ‘attacks,’ just as other OS’s are subject to fewer attacks as their market share sinks toward zero.

But it doesn’t say that is the only contributing factor. Obviously iOS is inherently safer and Apple’s control of the app store also plays a big role.

Mobile application analyst Appthority has published its App Reputation Report for February 2013, and having heavily scrutinised downloads on each software platform, the group claims iOS apps exhibit “more risky behaviours” and are a greater threat to our privacy.